Alumni Spotlight: Lars H. Loberg '05

Coming to the University of Minnesota was an easy decision for Lars Loberg (B.S. Environment and Natural Resources '05): the college offered programs that were ranked nationally and he would be close to home, where he could hunt and enjoy the outdoors on weekends. His love of law, the outdoors, and the education he received at the university helped him continue his schooling and further his career. "The top notch education that I received at the U of M gave me the skills to excel at law school. Having a science background is uncommon in my field of practice. The conflict resolution and policy courses offered to forestry and natural resource students provided me with the skillset to succeed in my study of the law. I finished at the top of my law school class in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Environmental Law, and Land Use courses."

Favorite memory on campus:The students and faculty felt like family. Green Hall provided an atmosphere different from other parts of the University. From the Forestry Club Breakfast in the basement of Green Hall, to Carl Vogt’s humorous dendrology teaching techniques, the collective four-year experience remains one great memory. My fondest memory was the 2001 Forestry Conclave at the Cloquet Forestry Center.

Why did you choose CFANS as a college? I chose CFANS (then CNR, the College of Natural Resources) because the college and programs offered consistently rank at the top nationally. I had met several foresters (now retired) who spoke highly about their experience at the University of Minnesota. I must admit, I also wanted to remain close to home so that I could hunt and enjoy the outdoors on the weekends.

Why do you think the University of Minnesota is great?The education that I received and the experiences that I had were irreplaceable. For a large campus, the college felt small. Truly, the people in CFANS were great. The advisors, staff, faculty, and students have a common purpose to promote stewardship and management of our natural resources. The unique opportunity to attend a large premier university while being part of a small close-knit campus resulted in a lifelong fondness for the University unique in part to the small community that CFANS and the St. Paul campus provide.

Career information/professional achievements: In 2008, I graduated from William Mitchell College of Law and am currently a partner at Loberg Law Office, LLP located in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. I write the legal column for the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association and speak throughout the State of Wisconsin at forestry related conferences. As I am a trial attorney, I spend most days in the courtroom and have represented several clients in timber trespass disputes, including disputes that were subsequently heard by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. Other work has been in assisting dozens of private landowners with estate planning needs, including large land and monetary donations to conservation organizations. In 2016, I facilitated the largest land donation in the State of Wisconsin to the Ruffed Grouse Society. I am actively involved with local conservation and hunting organizations and serve as the Wildlife Chairman of the Ellsworth Rod and Gun Club.

What’s your passion? What do you love about your work and your field? My first passion is the outdoors. Although I am generally confined to the courtroom or office, I enjoy assisting clients work through difficult and stressful litigation. I love my job because it is challenging and demanding. Real estate disputes, specifically cases involving damage to property, including timber theft or trespass, allow me to use my background in forestry to help clients see the big picture.

How did your education at the U of M prepare you for what you are doing?The top notch education that I received at the U of M gave me the skills to excel at law school. Having a science background is uncommon in my field of practice. The conflict resolution and policy courses offered to forestry and natural resource students provided me with the skillset to succeed in my study of the law. I finished at the top of my law school class in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Environmental Law, and Land Use courses. I mediate dozens of disputes annually as part of legal practice. My knowledge of forestry related issues has been instrumental in the opportunities that I have been offered to speak throughout Wisconsin and write for the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association.

What advice do you have for current students (and future alumni)?Be involved and don’t blink. The college experience is the greatest experience that one can have. I miss my time at the U of M and still visit annually for the Homecoming Parade. Getting involved enriches your experience and teaches you lifelong skills necessary for the workplace. Study hard and work hard; it pays off. Engage in activities that challenge your comfort zone.